What is a tire repair kit/system?

A tire repair kit or system consists of a high pressure inflator and a tire repair fluid called a sealant used. The combination of both in a unit enables users to inflate flat tires and repair puncture tires. The compressor in this unit not only inflates but also directly pumps the sealant into the tire enabling the driver to drive to the closest garage for a permanent repair. Today, tire repair kits of quality such as AirMan (under Active Tools label) are being deployed by automotive manufacturers replacing traditional heavy and bulky spare tires.

What is an inflator/compressor?

An inflator or compressor is a high pressure unit that pushes air out of its hose. Its power typically comes from connecting the compressor to the vehicle’s cigarette lighter or battery and its hose is connected to the tire valve in order for air to enter into the tire. A 12V power plug or crocodile clamps are used to connect the power and a built-in manometer permits reading the tire pressure.

What is a tire repair sealant?

It is a fluid, liquid gel that is used to repair punctures in flat tires. AirMan’s sealant is an approved seal technology validated by leading automotive manufacturers.  

Why do I need a tire repair kit in my vehicle?

In the event of a flat tire, you can safely and rapidly get back on the road without waiting for roadside assistance or having to deal with the challenges of changing the flat tire with a spare tire. Other benefits include a lighter vehicle in case the spare tire is removed from the trunk for better gas mileage, better pressure monitoring for optimal tire care, and last but not least it is the safer, faster, and easier alternative to spare tires.

Can AirMan replace the heavy spare tire in my vehicle or do I need both?

It is your choice: replace it or use both. But, you need at least one of them due to safety regulations. Most automobile manufacturers are standardizing on tire repair kits such as AirMan.

Can I use AirMan on any tire? 

Yes, you can use the inflator to inflate and maintain pressure on almost any tire including heavy duty vehicles such as trucks. To repair a tire, you must only ensure that you have enough sealant for your tire volume. To find out which AirMan sealant bottle you need for which vehicle, please visit our www.my-airman.com/whichairman.

How do I know which AirMan is suitable for my vehicle tires?

AirMan is suitable for every kind of vehicle. AirMan offers the right tire repair solution sized with the right compressor strength and sealant volume for your vehicle. You can find out which AirMan is right for you by going to www.my-airman.com/whichairman.

Which automobile manufacturers and automotive brandshave approved the AirMan technology through Active Tools?

Audi, Citroën, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Peugeot and Volkswagen.

How does my AirMan work?

For the steps of your AirMan, refer to the instructions included with the AirMan packaging. A typical sequence of steps for AirMan tire repair solutions consists of: 

1. Connect red sealant bottle hose to the tire valve.
2. Connect compressor to the sealant bottle.
3. Connect compressor plug to the power.
4. Start engine and leave your car running during operation period.
5. Turn on the compressor. Watch for the sealant to be fully pumped into the tire and observe tire pressure gauge.
6. Continue tire inflation (max. 30 min. operation) until you reach the desired tire pressure.
7. Turn Switch off. Drive vehicle approx. 8km/5miles to ensure repair sealant is applied. Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph).

In which instances can I use my AirMan tire repair?

AirMan can be used in many instances regardless of outside temperature or the time of the day. With AirMan, you can repair punctures which are up to 10 mm or 3/8” deep. AirMan can also be used for tire pressure monitoring for optimal tire care.

Can I fix a tire in the dark at night using AirMan?

You can use AirMan wherever and whenever you want. Our integrated repair solutions are equipped with a light that not only allows operation of AirMan in the dark but also makes you visible on the roadside for your safety. 

How long does it take to fix a flat tire with AirMan?

It depends on the size of the tire and how much existing pressure remains in the tire. A typical passenger car tire will take approximately 3 – 4 minutes starting from a complete flat tire.

Is AirMan easy enough for anyone to use?

Yes, AirMan makes it easy for any person of any driving age, regardless of gender or physical ability to fix a flat tire. It is an intuitive and safe alternative to changing spare tires. Easy to follow instructions are provided with each AirMan product.

Can I use AirMan only for tire repair or also for everyday tire inflation?

AirMan can be used for both purposes. It repairs punctures and/or inflates only. Most AirMan products are supplied with adaptors for inflating everyday objects such as balls, bikes, and other inflatable objects.

What do I need to do if the sealant comes out and does not fill the tire?

Stop the operation by turning off AirMan and disconnect the bottle hose from the tire valve. Wash off with water the tire, rim and bottle opening and try the repair operation again. Do not exceed this operation for over 10 minutes. If the sealant has not fully dispensed into the tire, then you should stop all operation and call for roadside assistance.

How do I know the sealant is correctly being pumped in the tire?

You can see that the bottle will be emptied thanks to the transparent AirMan bottle.

How do I know when to stop the inflation of the tire?

In case of a repair, the sealant bottle should become empty. You will use an entire bottle sized for your vehicle for one puncture. While the inflator is pumping air into the tire, check your tire pressure by reading the pressure gauge/manometer until you reach the desired manufacturer recommended pressure.

How long will the AirMan fix last?

Up to 200 km or 125 miles.

How far can I drive with a fixed AirMan tire?

Up to 200 km or 125 miles to your home or next garage stop.

How fast can I drive with an AirMan repaired tire?

Automotive industry recommendation: Maximum 80 km/h or 50 mph speed (same as for spare tires).

When do I need to replace the tire repaired by AirMan?

We recommend changing your repaired tire before you reach 200 km or 125 miles driving limit. This is the maximum driving distance recommended by the automotive industry.

What types of tire punctures can AirMan fix?

AirMan can repair a thread puncture of up to 6 mm or 1/4” in size using a valve-through hard bottle sealant. Using a squeeze bottle with valve-out technology, you can fix punctures up to 10 mm or 3/8”. Find out which valve technology is available with your AirMan on our website at www.my-airman.comproduct/which-airman-is-right-for-you. Note that a sidewall puncture can never be repaired.

How strong is the sealant?

The AirMan particle gel technology sealant is approved and used by the automobile industry. It is an industrial strength product that gives you the advantage of a trustworthy repair while being water-based and safe for you, the environment, and your vehicle.

Is the sealant safe for my tire if it gets in contact with the rim? 

Yes, it is. AirMan sealant does not cause rust or corrosion on any type of rim or tire. 

What are the recommended storage and operating temperatures for AirMan’s sealant?

Between -20°C and +60°C (-4°F to +140°F)

What is the sealant made of? 

The AirMan sealant is a green recipe made up of microfibers and water.

Is the sealant safe?

The AirMan sealant is water soluble and not dangerous nor hazardous to humans in normal use, but should not be ingested in quantities or come in contact with eyes. It is a non-flammable and non-toxic product.

Do I need to call roadside assistance at any point in an event of a tire problem?

You will need to call roadside assistance or completely change your tire using the spare if the damage on the tire is a sidewall puncture or if the tire is cracked. In these situations, the tire can never be repaired nor patched by a service tire shop and unfortunately, these damages are not covered under the warranty of the tire manufacturers. 

How much does an AirMan product cost?

AirMan pricing is determined by the retailers. Please visit the list of point of purchases on our website to find out the pricing from your preferred retailer (Find a Retailer section). 

Where can I buy AirMan products?

Please visit the Find a Retailer section on our website for a list of authorized retailers in your region. 

I’ve already used my sealant bottle. Where can I find the replacement sealant bottles?

Replacement bottles are available at your retailer carrying AirMan products. Visit the section Find a Retailer on our website to locate an authorized retailer in your region.

Who do I contact when I need to use the warranty on AirMan?

For all warranty and service questions, please contact your original retailer where the AirMan product was purchased. 

How long can I keep my unused sealant bottle?

We declare a shelf life of 8 years as if stored under the correct conditions.